“Never give up.” “Work harder.” These phrases are so often repeated in motivational talks that many of us have stopped believing in them. They sound good—but where’s the proof that they actually work?
Meet Yannick NSHIMIRIMANA. He is the living proof that perseverance pays off.
You may know him as Bosco, Rwema, or another name depending on the series or movie you’ve seen him in. Recently, he’s been celebrated across Rwanda and East Africa after winning the Best Upcoming Actor award at the Mashariki Film Festival. But his journey to that stage was anything but easy.
Early life: A blend of cultures and dreams
Born on August 28, 1990, in Bujumbura, Burundi, Yannick is the second of three boys. His father is Burundian, and his mother is Rwandan. When he was just eight years old, he followed his mother as she returned to Rwanda. However, he later returned to Burundi in 2004 to continue his studies—and chase what he believed was his dream at the time: becoming a professional footballer.
“I thought I would become a football player,” he recalls. “But my mom didn’t like the idea. She worried I might get injured.”
In 2011, he came back to Rwanda for high school—starting a new chapter in both his life and career.
The spark: A question from his mother
One evening, as they sat watching King James music videos on TV, his mother turned to him and asked:
> “Hey son, what is your talent? Others sing or act—but I don’t know what yours is.”
That simple question hit hard. Yannick felt lost. But then a thought sparked—his height. Maybe, he thought, modeling could be his path.
Modeling: The first door opens
In 2012, Yannick went for a casting call at Akimbu Agency—and he got in. From there, things slowly began to unfold. He auditioned for Kigali Fashion Week and made it again. These platforms opened more doors, leading him to model for prestigious events like:
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
Rwanda Culture Fashion Week
Rwanda Modest Fashion
But deep down, he wasn’t satisfied. He began thinking: Why not act too?
The struggle: Rejections, setbacks, and self-doubt
He started auditioning for acting roles in 2013. The process was hard—especially because most casting calls weren’t free. He failed his first try. Then he landed a tiny supporting role in the movie Umurabyo, playing a policeman.
“I didn’t like it,” he admits. “I wanted people to notice my talent, not just see me pass by in a uniform.”
Discouraged and doubting himself, Yannick stepped away from acting.
Fashion designing & a surprise comeback
In 2014, he began pouring himself into fashion designing and launched his own brand. But fate had other plans.
In 2017, a free casting call for a Primus advertisement popped up. He gave it a try—and got the part. His performance caught the attention of local directors, and suddenly, the door to acting swung wide open again.
This led to roles in:
Mutoni (TV Series)
Duty (2018)
Impanga series
Marita (2023)
Those performances gave him exposure in music videos as a professional vixen, and even more opportunities followed.
The breakthrough: Kaliza wa Kalisa
Yannick landed a comedic role in the hit series Kaliza wa Kalisa—a complete shift from the action roles he was used to.
> “I was scared at first. Comedy? No way,” he chuckles.
“But I told myself, if you call yourself an actor, you must act—any role, any time.”
Thanks to the guidance of director Roger Niyoyita, Yannick adapted, shined, and quickly became a fan favorite. This role—along with his part in Duty—remains one of his personal favorites.
The reward: Best upcoming actor
After years of persistence, Yannick’s efforts were recognized with the Best Upcoming Actor Award at the Mashariki Film Festival. It wasn’t just a trophy. It was a testament to his journey—from rejections and doubts to becoming a recognized talent in Rwanda’s film industry.
Dreams: Hollywood and beyond
Yannick’s dream doesn’t stop here.
“My dream is to work with Idris Elba,” he says with a hopeful smile. “He’s my favorite actor. I want to make it to Hollywood one day.”
Words of wisdom: His advice to young dreamers
> “Don’t give up. Your talent doesn’t get old.
Even when things feel impossible, don’t stop trying.
Some people give up after their first rejection—I did once.
But I came back.
Watch movies, study acting skills, keep practicing.
When your time is right, you’ll get what’s meant for you.”
Conclusion: Not just an actor—An inspiration
Yannick NSHIMIRIMANA is more than an actor, model, or designer. He’s proof that the so-called clichés like “work harder” and “never give up” still matter—when we live them.
